Magnet schools offer specialized curricular themes that allow students to discover the scientist within them; learn through their passion for the arts; explore or begin a career in health science; and expand their horizons through an internationally recognized global education. Magnet schools also provide opportunities to integrate our learning environments.

Visual and Performing Arts

Our award-winning arts magnet, Birch Grove Elementary School for the Arts, provides a strong academic core with opportunities for students to create at many levels. Teaching through the arts helps students experience concepts rather than merely discussing or reading about them. The study of the arts has been linked to students’ increased critical and creative thinking skills, self-esteem, willingness to take risks and ability to work with others.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Weaver Lake Elementary: A Science, Math & Technology School, named one of the nation's Top Three Elementary STEM Schools in 2015, provides an environment where students, teachers and families find the scientists in themselves through simulation, exploration, and discovery. Weaver Lake students use advanced technologies to make observations, draw conclusions, and report results. Weaver Lake staff works with the Science Museum of Minnesota to offer quality instruction. According to a federal magnet school evaluator, “[Weaver Lake] students are being exposed to exceptional projects that are challenging and enlightening. They are getting great preparation in both math and science.”

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)

Brooklyn Middle School offers a school-wide (gr. 6-8) STEAM model (STEM plus Arts) that provides a path for middle-level students in both of our district’s elementary magnet schools (Arts and STEM).

Key features of the STEAM program at Brooklyn Middle:

Students are engaged in inquiry-based learning experiences that use STEAM to solve problems;

Students have more opportunities for arts or engineering coursework through project-based learning;

Students are given authentic real-world experiences with STEAM coursework while practicing with scientists, engineers, mathematicians, musicians, artists and technical professionals;

Students participate in challenging and accelerated opportunities to demonstrate content mastery;

Students are involved in local, state and global projects that provide hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities.

Health Science

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, health care is projected to be the largest and fastest-growing industry in the United States. By enrolling in the Health Science Magnet Program at Osseo Senior High, students can explore or advance their education and training to prepare for successful health care careers. Students can apply their learning in community settings by participating in the Opportunities in Emergency Care program or by earning nursing assistant clinical hours in local health care facilities. Outstanding course offerings combine rigor and relevance and allow students to demonstrate achievement in academic and technical knowledge, skills and abilities. Elective classes in Emergency Medical Responder, Nursing Assistant and Pharmacy Technician provide the opportunity for students to earn industry certification and college credit. Additional class options include Exploring Health Careers, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Bioethics.

International Baccalaureate schools infuse a core curriculum with a world focus that helps young people understand their role as responsible world citizens. Emphasis is on changing technology, world languages, and cultures. Students are encouraged to inquire, think, communicate, take risks, achieve, be principled, caring, open-minded, well-balanced and reflective. The International Baccalaureate program has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

Who can attend? How can I apply?

Enrollment in the magnet schools is open to all students living within the seven-member school districts of Osseo, Anoka-Hennepin, Brooklyn Center, Buffalo, Elk River, Fridley, and Rockford.

Neighborhoods are redefined when we talk about magnet schools. A magnet school neighborhood includes students from other communities who have the same interests. What you will learn and how you will learn it frames the neighborhood in which you choose to learn and grow. It may be filled with future artists or dancers, scientists or technicians, diplomats or Rhodes Scholars.

There are no academic or other criteria for student selection. All students who apply will be placed if there are seats available. A lottery will determine placement if more students apply than seats available. Click here for magnet lottery information and online application.Applications for the 2018-2019 school year will be available beginning October 16, 2017.